I woke to sweet sentiments this morning, one included a message from a dear friend who stumbled upon a photograph of us camping two years ago. Her note reflected on our adventures and how much she valued our friendship. The note made me gush with joy and reminded me about life's purpose and how much love & friendship matter above all else. I can't think of many other feelings that trump those. Love you, M! xx
Carolyn Roehm
Love these images from Carolyn Roehm's Baccarat shoot in Paris. She shared these images and a few others on her site. The peonies are just perfection. I'm looking forward to the release of her new book "At Home in the Garden" which will be available October 27th on Amazon.
Backcountry: 'The New American Dream'
Love this article in NY Times Style Magazine that somehow captures exactly how I regard cabin life. I often dream of one day retreating to a beach shanty on the coast of West Marin, or a reclaimed wood barn in the sticks of the Adirondacks. Despite "bigger and better" being the mantra for the American Dream for decades, the article points to a shift in that ideology, suggesting that "smaller" is perhaps "purer and more inspiring" hence the "cabin porn" and "tiny living" movement. Be sure to read the article in addition to feasting your eyes on these gems in quiet places across the globe.
Above: a summer retreat in Brekkestø, Norway.
McGrath II
Love this Manhattan apartment belonging to interior designer Lauren McGrath. The apartment is housed within a Georgian mansion built in 1890 and boasts of beautiful working fireplaces, high ceilings & lots of city light. See more of the designer's home on her blog, here.
From the Top
I've just returned from the most amazing weekend in Aspen to witness two friends marry in the mountains. It was the most incredible weekend of hiking, exploring and catching up with old friends. Above, is a photo from the top of Aspen Mountain. My friend Candace & I hiked early Saturday morning only to be rewarded with some breathtaking views.
City Lights
A quick but interesting read in the WSJ about the iconic City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco and Poet/Co-Founder Lawrence Ferlinghetti's quest to open an all-paperback bookstore in the 1950's. Lawrence's adoration for poetry and literature is perhaps a correlation to his less than desirable childhood he describes. Read the piece here.
love notes
My Grandfather's desk sits in my room at home in Rhode Island. It has many secret compartments in which I keep mementos from cherished moments, including notes from my Grandparents that they each wrote to me close to their passing. They were both so sweet about writing notes to their grandchildren and I love coming back to them, longing for their presence again.
Flâneur Forever
A genius campaign by Hermès called "Flâneur Forever". My dearest francophile taught me the meaning of the word flâneur, a french noun that means "stroller" or "lounger" and one that "strolls aimlessly but enjoyably, observing life and his surroundings". We both discussed that we could master the essence of this definition quite suitably. It's rather romantic.
Cheese by Carol
My sister does such a lovely job of arranging cheese platters. It truly is an art and she masters it well. I like them to appear in a very organic state - not too structured or fussy. Above, a cheese platter from a fun evening at home, with hibiscus from Mom's trees!
Green Animals
Love a good lush shrub and don't even get me started with topiaries...Had such a blast meandering around Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. My Mother used to volunteer there when I was a bebe, and my elementary/middle school is just across the way. Fun day of exploration & reminiscing.